What is the Zeta AR?
The Arc'teryx Zeta AR is a beautifully made, versatile Gore-Tex jacket that’s great for general hill and mountain use. Constructed to the usual Arc'teryx high standards and using only the best materials, the Zeta AR will provide years of reliable protection from the elements.
What is it made of?
The Zeta AR features a tough yet supple 70D nylon outer fabric with a durable water repellent coating. Unlike outer fabrics of old, this feels far softer and more comfortable with less noise. Underneath this tough exterior lies a fully waterproof Gore-Tex membrane with C-Knit backer technology. The membrane itself provides total water and windproof protection, while the knitted backer massively increases comfort next to skin. It feels more like a softshell from the inside and glides easily over other layers.
What are the features?
The Zeta AR just oozes quality with incredibly high stitch counts and super-tidy seam taping. It features a StormHood that sits closer to your head than the hoods on Arcteryx's 'climbing shells' — perfect for everyday use, walking and backpacking. There are two hand pockets with WaterTight zips and an internal chest pocket that are all strategically placed to sit above harnesses and pack hip belts. WaterTight pitzips can be undone to dump excess heat when you're working up a sweat and the velcro cuffs and hem and waist drawcords can be synched up to keep the elements out. The Zeta has everything you need for mountain activities and general every day wear.
How does it fit?
This garment has what Arc'teryx call a 'trim fit'. Trim fitting garments share motion-friendly traits with their 'regular fit' garments but are patterned with lower volume for reduced bulk. The Zeta is perfectly sized to be worn just over a baselayer or with a lightweight fleece/insulated jacket underneath. The Zeta is also a little longer than some other Arc'teryx shell jackets to provide greater coverage when trekking. For reference, the centre back length is 75cm.
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Gore-Tex membrane with C-Knit
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DWR finish (Durable Water Repellent) helps repel water from fabric surface
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Taped seams for added weather-resistance
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Gore C-Knit backer technology has excellent next to skin feel
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Anatomical shaping for fit and comfort
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Trim-fitting StormHood with halo adjuster
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Chin guard with brushed microsuede facing for added comfort
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Moulded zipper garages
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WaterTight full-length front zip
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Pit zips with WaterTight zippers
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Velcro cuff adjusters reduce bulk, and won't catch or tear off
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Laminated hem
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Adjustable hem and waist drawcord
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Drop back hem
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Internal chest pocket with laminated zip
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Two hand pockets with WaterTight zippers
Care and maintenance
To keep your outdoor clothing and equipment in tip top condition and performing to its maximum we recommend the use of Nikwax products. We have been using Nikwax products since day one (26th March 1986) and have found them to be totally reliable, dependable and effective. Today’s Nikwax treatments contain environmentally friendly elastic water-repellent polymers that bond to fabric fibres, leaving the spaces between open and breathable. These stretchy polymers are able to stretch and move with the fabric so they stay put for longer and work better.
Nikwax treatments will not change the look or feel of the fabric and they are all water based, environmentally safe, non-flammable and contain no nasty Fluorocarbons. Nikwax products can be used to clean, re-proof and revitalise all your outdoor technical clothing and equipment.
Waterproof breathable clothing has a durable water-repellent (DWR) finish applied to the face fabric during the manufacturing process. The DWR forces water to bead up and roll off the surface therefore preventing the fabric from absorbing moisture. If the outside of your jacket is soaked in a layer of cold water, the warm damp air within can’t escape and will condense on the inside. This makes the jacket feel cold clammy and can make you think that it’s leaking. The DWR finish is not permanent and needs to be maintained and revitalised to optimise performance.
This three layer waterproof jacket should be cleaned regularly with Nikwax Tech Wash; I wash my jacket about once a month, or more often if it gets really filthy. Regular washing with Tech Wash will maintain the DWR for longer and remove salts and oils that can contaminate the fabric, and it will keep your lovely jacket clean and smelling fresh. Washing can be done in a machine according to the manufacturers care guidelines (on the internal label). First clean out any detergent and conditioner residue from the machine dispenser and then add the required amount of Tech Wash and away you go. Hand washing is also suitable but be sure to rinse the garment well.
When you notice that rain/water is no longer beading up and rolling off it’s time to re-proof. Nikwax TX Direct will re-instate a long lasting DWR to completely rejuvenate your jacket. Re-proofing can also be done in the machine once a garment has been washed. Just add the TX-Direct and use the same programme you used for washing. You can also use the spray-on product on a damp garment that has just been washed.
You wouldn’t buy a Ferrari and never have it serviced, so make sure you regularly wash and re-proof your quality kit.